Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

John and Brian discuss the best bird mom ever. Hummingbird moms are arguably some of the toughest ladies out there. With all the odds stacked against them, we should celebrate how hummingbird moms are champions this Mother’s Day.

Habitat, habitat, habitat! That’s right, there’s more to learn about our own little natural parks we call our backyards. John and Brian share exciting new research on just how much of an impact an individual can make for local wildlife. Hint: it’s a lot! Stay tuned until the end to find out if we could see the dodo again in our lifetimes.

Spring is almost here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the most variety of these spectacular spring species? Don't worry, John and Brian are here to tell you about some of the easiest and best ways to get your yard ready so you and your birds can enjoy each other's company all season long. 

What really happens at the feeder? Brian sits down with award-winning wildlife photographers and filmmakers Tim & Russell Laman to talk about Backyard Birds Revealed, a WBU-sponsored video series that captures common backyard birds in super slow motion, extreme close-ups, and unorthodox camera angles to uncover the details of backyard birds we wouldn’t otherwise see.

In this episode, Brian is joined by Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Podcast. Listen to this encore performance as they discuss amazing foods that help the birds, and you, survive and thrive this winter. Plus, there is a challenge for you. Did you accomplish it? If you haven't yet, will you accept the challenge? 

In this episode, Brian explores how to make bird feeding and bird watching a cherished holiday tradition with bestselling author and nature advocate, Amy Tan. Amy shares her insights and the benefits on how to slow down, watch birds with intention, and live deeply in nature.  

Will irrupting birds visit your backyard this winter? Who is already on the move and who can you expect to see? Join Brian and special guest Matt Young from the Finch Research Network as they talk all about the Winter Finch Forecast with tips on getting your feeders ready for these irregular winter visitors. 

What does the number '1 billion' have to do with birds, fall migration, and your backyard? Sadly, up to a billion birds die each year from window collisions, but there’s good news. Join Brian and special guest Olivia Carvalho from Birds Canada as they share simple, science-backed ways to protect migrating birds while enjoying them at your feeders and in your yard. 

Squirrels – do you love them or loathe them? If you have trees nearby, chances are you have squirrels. In this encore episode, John and Brian take a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opinions on the infamous backyard critters. Plus, we have all the deterring and feeding options!  

John Schaust returns to critique Brian’s yard (a call-back to ep 50). Does he practice what he preaches? Plus, we catch up with our retired co-host on owl banding, adventures, and how we can all help the birds with high-protein foods for the end of nesting season and peak molting season.

How many goldfinch species can be attracted to your yard? Brian is joined by two WBU store owners (Dripping Springs, TX & Ventura, CA) to talk goldfinches and their differences: seasonality, attracting, nesting, molting, mimicry, and more.

Being seasonally savvy in summer means fewer feeders can be ok, but the key is foundational feeding. Brian explains the benefits of a foundational feeder and food in summer and how it helps Dad (bird dads & people dads).   

Have you heard song birds are in trouble? As stewards of our own space, we’ve never been more empowered to make a difference to help save the song birds. Brian shares some simple steps you can implement to make a difference, no matter where you live.

Does it matter where you source your native plants? It turns out—yes, it does. Brian is joined by Mary Phillips, Head of Habitat/Native Plant Impact & Certifications for the National Wildlife Federation, to explain why. They dig into native plant trends, the importance of sourcing responsibly, and what keystone plants are—plus how they benefit both birds and people. 

How many bird species visit your yard? Brian shares that now is the perfect time to prepare to attract more bird species to your yard and how it will enhance your enjoyment of the hobby and your well-being.    

Brian is joined by special guest, Becca Rodomsky-Bish, leader of the Great Backyard Bird Count at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Together, they explore how you can have fun while making a difference for birds. Tune in for expert bird identification tips, helpful resources, and inspiration to join this global birdwatching event! 

Brian is joined by special guest Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Podcast. Listen in to learn how birds benefit our wellbeing and how we can help the birds thrive during winter months.  

John and Brian share some of their favorite apps and recommended reading for birders and backyard hobbyists that are great for you and for gift-giving. Plus, a salute to John's last episode as a podcast host.

Brian is joined by guests Emma Greig and Olivia Carvahlo to talk about how easy it is to participate with PFW and connect more deeply with nature. Emma, Project Leader for Project FeederWatch in the US, and Olivia, Community Engagement Specialist in Canada, tell us just how simpleand how incredibly helpful it can be! Join tens of thousands already participating. 

John and Brian discuss hot pepper foods, the science and the biology behind why it works for the birds and keeps the critters at bay. Plus, a special announcement at the end that you don’t want to miss. 

John & Brian discuss why insects are important for the birds and how to cultivate more insects in your yard. They also explain the connection between insects and the 7 Simple Actions to help Save the Song Birds.

John & Brian address challenging questions like: What happens when bird activity slows down? Where did the birds go and why? What can you do to get them back?   

John & Brian are joined by two very special guests, kids who love bird feeding, Xander and Rhain. Prepare to be inspired by their passion and love for birds and bird feeding. They also share their tips for helping more kids get into the hobby. 

Join John & Brian as they offer resources to help you find native plants to increase the birds and pollinators in your space - whether you have a yard, patio or balcony; to include container gardening. 

John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Holly Merker. She is an author, podcast host, birding guide, and nature-based wellness provider. They discuss how watching and feeding birds creates a sense of wonder and community, a sense of connection with people, and can change the direction of your life. Plus, a special callout for the Mindful Birding podcast episode 13. 

John and Brian discuss how feeding and watching birds naturally promotes conservation, ultimately benefiting the environment. This includes making environmentally conscious choices with bird feeding products, installing native plants, and participating in citizen science programs. 

John and Brian talk about preparing for springtime bird activity in our yards and how to keep the birds safe and ensure they thrive. 

John and Brian are joined by the project leader for GBBC, Becca Rodomsky-Bish. They discuss how watching the birds and sharing what you see will benefit the birds for conservation and how it will benefit your well-being. 

Join John and Brian as they discuss some studies about the pros (and cons) of bird feeding. It really is ok to feed the birds! Listen to this weeks episode to find out why.

Join John and Brian as they discuss how birds truly are gifts and how you can share the joy of birds with others long after the gift-giving season. 

John and Brian discuss how you can show your thanks for birds this season in your yard and in your coffee cup. 

John and Brian discuss tricks of the trade to bring in the birds as well as treats that are highly attractive to birds and bring the joy of the hobby for you.   

What are the basic transitions birds are going through right now and how can your habitat help? Join John and Brian as they discuss the transitions and the foods you can offer to help birds.   

Join John and Brian as they discuss summer critter solutions like outwitting ornery squirrels, techniques to take the “nuisance” out of nuisance birds and insights to defeat insects at nectar feeders.  

John & Brian share how woodpeckers are like diamonds: tough and wondrous; adapted to live in and on trees (and cacti). Learn how to attract these precious birds throughout summer. 

Join John & Brian as they share what you’re missing without feeding in summer. How to attract new birds, help a new generation of birds, help mom and dad, and find joy in knowing that the food we provide can make a significant difference in how well birds survive and thrive. 

It really can be sweet of you to offer Mom bugs for Mother’s Day. John & Brian discuss how offering bugs directly and indirectly will bring in more bird activity, making Mom even happier to see all the birds she loves and knowing she is helping them to raise their families. 

Do you want to attract one of the most sought-after feeder birds? Hummingbirds bring joy, color and life to any yard, patio or balcony. John and Brian talk tips and fun facts about a fan favorite.  

John and Brian discuss how bluebirds delight us with their beautiful song, “color” and wonderful demeanor. Plus, expert tips on attracting them to your yard and inviting them to raise a family.  

Learn how you contribute to world-wide conservation efforts just by sharing your backyard birds during the GBBC, February 17-20, 2023. Special guest Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader for GBBC, joins John & Brian to tell us all about this amazing, world-wide program. Plus hear a few tips along the way. 

There is a reason you don’t see birds at the gym trying to lose that holiday weight. They want fat! Learn how birds use fat and other strategies to survive long, cold winter nights.  

What holiday traditions do you have that highlight or help the birds? John & Brian discuss tried & true winter bird food changes, a century-old bird watching tradition as well as offering up some new traditions to consider that share the joy of birds with others. 

Who’s ready to see fabulous finches in their yard this season? Join John and Brian as they discuss when you might expect to see finches and how to attract them to your yard. 

Where do you find your joy? How far do you have to travel to enjoy birds and nature? John & Brian discuss how you can reap the abundant benefits of nature at home and how you can thank the birds.  

Being a backyard scientist is as easy as watching the birds and sharing what you see. Emma Greig, The Project Leader for Project FeederWatch, tells us just how simple and incredibly helpful it can be! Join tens of thousands already participating. 

The cast of birds are changing with the seasons. Brian & John share how you can enjoy this change by offering the birds’ favorite feeder and foods.  

Can you really save birds and increase your health by planting trees? What about the secret to successfully planting a tree in your yard? We met with Pete Smith from the Arbor Day Foundation to answer these questions and more.  

Where have all your birds gone? Why isn’t your food being eaten? It’s all about the cache. That’s right, caching is taking place as birds start to prepare for winter; among other survival strategies. How can you help? What neat activities might you spy? John and Brian are here to tell you. 

John and Brian discuss how to attract Purple Martins to your yard, how to be a good landlord for them, and how to help martins even if you don’t provide housing for them. They also dispel some myths about these amazing aerialists.

John and Brian welcome back special guest David Mizejewski, Naturalist for the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss the importance of water to birds and wildlife plus the simplicity of what that looks like whatever the size of your “yard.”